The need to combat childhood cancers

One in every 500 children under the age of 15 will develop cancer, which equates to approximately 1,500 new childhood cancer cases each year in the UK. 

Tragically, in the UK, cancer represents the highest cause of childhood mortality outside of accidental death. 

Remarkable advances in treatment of cancer

Even though significant progress has been made in the treatment of childhood cancer, the price paid by the child and their families is huge in terms of the suffering and side effects endured and the possible long term consequence of treatment, both physical and psychological.  

Whilst cancer survival rates are immensely encouraging with 7 in 10 of all children still alive five years after diagnosis, for certain childhood cancers survival rates remain extremely low and there are some cancers where there are no survivors.

Pioneering better treatments for children with cancer

Through our research we aim to cut childhood cancer deaths and improve treatment for related chronic health conditions by pioneering new therapies. 

Great Ormond Street Hospital conducts collaborative clinical trials to measure the effectiveness of these novel treatments and the Kiss it Better appeal will support a project that will transform our ability to do so. 

Clinical trial nurses

The funds you raise will go towards the cost of employing and training specialist nurses who will work across our cancer departments to enter as many of the sickest children as possible onto cancer trials – ensuring that they receive the best possible treatments to help beat cancer.